"Bush sections had been taken up by a few selectors during the 1890s but most of this area was surveyed only about 1904 and opened for selection in 1906. The 1906 map, signed by R.T. Sadd, showed that certain sections were already sold, buyers including T.W. Mead, J.H. Granger and H.C. Knapp. The upset price varied 7s., 7s. 6d. to 8s. an acre. A hut was shown at Chinaman Gully and also one at Digger's Creek.
Thomas Mead of Foxhill had taken his section in the 1890s and his son Arnold ran this property until comparatively recent years. The section taken up by H.C. Knapp had some bush felled on it but most remained in bush and was not grazed. J.H. Granger was accidentally killed and his property was later owned by George Herwin who farmed there during his working life."
Page 149
"In an article about the Buller waggons which appreared in the Weekly News on December 8, 1954, Bob Henderson, writing about his experiences from 1904 onwards states: 'Trips to Lake Station were popular with Billy Granger and me. A man named Thomlinson was in charge and provided us with guns and ammunition when we went shooting rabbits not far from the homestead. Rabbits were so thick in the dusk of the evening that we could have almost kicked them out of our way so we nominated one colour to shoot down.' "
Page 77
"Finally on the subject of waggoning, it should be noted that Bob Henderson has written some of his reminiscences about the days when he and Billy Granger were driving the Buller waggons and a series of articles has been published in the Auckland Weekly News."
Page 354
"From some time after the railway was opened timber and firewood became important local industries. The bush grew close to the railway line and the cut firewood could be loaded on to trucks easily and cheaply. In many cases this trade provided settlers with ready money to help them develop their properties. From time to time samilling also provided a good deal of employment. While it is not possible to trace all mills, mention should be made of Lou Kerr's mill and that of Granger Bros at Tui. In 1921 Messrs Thorn and Company put in a big milling plant on Polgaze's property but the venture failed as there was not sufficient suitable timber to keep the mill running"
Page 282
"........ In 1919 Granger Bros were loading 'cut of mill' timber on the rail at Tui for 1 pound a hundred super feet. Grangers' men were working on contract: three men delivered logs on the skids for 3s. 6d. a hundred, three men in the mill received 6s. 6d. a hundred, while the 'truckie' was also paid at 6s. 6d. a hundred. The bushmen did well if the weather was fine or they did not break the wire rope too often, as it took four hours to put it in a 12-ft splice. In wet weather they sometimes earned as little as 1 pound a month each".
Page 367
From "Footprints" by J.N.W. Newport, 1962
